15 Day The Mighty Yangtze

Tour Testimonials

We just returned from the 15-day, The Mighty Yangtze trip and can't stop thinking about how wonderful this experience was. We were a small group of 12 with a phenomenal national guide, Maggie and excellent local guides at every destination. We decided on China Spree after researching several other companies. We definitely made the right decision and would travel with China Spree again with no hesitation. Before the trip, I was impressed with the pre-trip information that China Spree provides, such as suggested reading, arrival and departure information and other useful information. They really pay attention to details. Any questions that I emailed them about were promptly answered by phone. They tell you that you will receive the final information (tickets, etc.) two weeks before departure. Not only were they true to their word about that, they even sent us notification a few days ahead that the packet was sent out. My expectations at this point were now raised so I was afraid my now high expectations would not be met. From the moment we walked out of the baggage area at the Beijing airport we knew we were in good hands. The hotels were gorgeous and first rate, especially in Beijing and Shanghai. The itinerary is varied, flexible and well planned out. Everything was flawless. Much of the credit for such a wonderful trip should go to Maggie our national guide but I believe that after speaking to other China Spree groups that we came across, every national guide is exceptional. Maggie and all the local guides had excellent command of the English language. They were all knowledgeable, informative and patient. Maggie especially always made sure we were happy, taking control when necessary yet flexible when not. We thought China would be a "once in a lifetime" experience, but there is so much more to see that we would consider visiting again. There is no doubt in my mind, however, that it will be with China Spree.

CS: How's the pacing of the tour?

Answer: It was perfect! We liked that we were able to cover the entire itinerary plus a few extra things (for instance, the kindergarten) yet everything was so flexible. One day we encountered a road closure so the bus ride to Tongli took a little longer than expected. But because of the flexibility, all it meant was everything was pushed back a little and we didn't miss anything because of the delay. A perfect carefree vacation!

CS: Comment on your National guide

Answer: Maggie was absolutely fantastic! She was very calm yet you knew she was in control. She speaks well and tells wonderful stories. Her delivery of the stories made it so much fun to listen to her. Maggie made the trip so enjoyable. She was patient, knowledgeable, funny and made us feel very comfortable. We knew immediately that we were in good hands with Maggie.

CS: Recommended packing and reading

Answer: Pack light. Don't need to pack toothbrushes and toothpaste as it was always provided (never came across that before. We read Daughter of China: A True Story of Love and Betrayal by Meihong Xu and Larry Engelmann which was on the recommended reading list. We loved it and now that I've been to China, I want to read it again. We also enjoyed and would recommend Iron and Silk by Mark Salzman, another book on your list. We had with us the suggested book, The Yangzi River by Judy Bonavia, which we didn't read in its entity but found very helpful while on the boat.

CS: Based on your experience from this trip what would you like to say to potential travelers to China?

Answer: Look no further! China Spree is fantastic. And China is an exciting, beautiful and interesting country. Not to be missed.

Jill & Wendell W, New York
15-Day The Mighty Yangtze, October, 2011

My husband and I have enjoyed mostly independent travel in the past but decided that doing China on our own was just too daunting. In the past, we have found the regimentation of tours stressful, but in the case of China Spree, the opposite was true: we have never felt so relaxed on a trip. Our sightseeing was done efficiently with the cool bus waiting for us after every excursion. Airport check-ins and baggage handling were facilitated by our guides, excellent introductory information was supplied prior to and during every program, and our itinerary was beautifully balanced between monumental sights and intimate cultural ones (kindergarten visit, Hutong home visit, etc.). The Chengdu bamboo park day and Yangtze cruise were timed perfectly - a respite from our first week of hard-driving sight-seeing in Beijing and Xi'an. Our peapod boat excursion on the Shennong Stream was adventurous and great fun as was our "drag race" in the Hutong pedicab. The Yangtze cruise excursions were both informative and beautiful experiences. To sum up: our guides were expert and accomodating in every way, our meals were varied and delicious, and our daily attractions and experiences were truly thrilling. China Spree really delivers a peak experience.

CS: Comment on your National guide

Answer: We can't think of any way Kevin could have been better! He was extremely well-informed, passionate in his presentations, personal in his recounting of his family relationships, wedding, etc., compassionate in caring for those with various issues, attentive to each and every one of our needs, and delightfully funny. His grasp of colloquial English was perfect and his personality was engaging, entertaining, and genuine. Awe-inspiring energy and commitment!!

CS: Based on your experience from this trip what would you like to say to potential travelers to China?

Answer: Be prepared for a fast-paced, physically demanding itinerary and know that, although there isn't a great deal of leisure time, your stamina will be richly rewarded. Expect to be enlightened intellectually and moved emotionally by the stunning scenery, exquisite culture, and fascinating history. You will be in very good hands with China Spree.

We have taken over half dozen conducted travel tours in various countries - Egypt, South Africa, Turkey, Kenya, Europe etc. This was the best conducted tour, well above expectations. The arrangements, hotels, itinerary with the an excellent National guide made the difference!!

CS: Based on your experience from this trip what would you like to say to potential travelers to China?

Our National guide Lynn was a very enthusiastic, sincere, and helpful tour guide. She really cared about each person in the group and connected with all of us. She was always cheerful and enthusiastic. China is an impressive country. China Spree is a fantastic tour that can give you a taste of China in a fun and eventful way.

We just completed the Mighty Yangtze 15-day trip and "Lucy" was our national guide. No need for me to echo each of the appreciations in so many testimonials so suffice it to say that the praises are truthful. This was the improbable made manifest; a low cost tour with high-end quality. First to mention was the group size. We had only 19 people and not a lemon in the bunch. A small group size limit was a requirement for us before we decided on our tour company. (My wife and I much prefer independent travel but the total lack of familiarity with Chinese language and characters made a guided tour essential if we wanted to maximize our understanding and exposure to the culture and historical sites.) To get a handle on the value I checked the cost for round trip air fare for an open-jaw from SFO to Beijing and returning from Shanghai. For $1900 more we got internal air flights, a four-day river cruise, usually three meals per day and eleven nights at five star hotels. The meals were locally influenced for seasonings and some featured items but they were basic Chinese Chinese (not the Americanized Chinese dishes we get here stateside). This was important, I guess, for a true flavor of the country but a steady diet of a cultural food gets boring. Towards the end I was dreaming of a plate of burritos appearing on one of those omnipresent lazy-suzans. The hotels were not just good, there were impressive. Really impressive! This was true for rooms, restaurants, amenities, location and services. And our local guides were informative and nearly always personable in a way that we were able to relate to. One or two were just knowledgeable but not quite able to connect with American/Canadian humor. Several were so well versed in American as to understand our references to our value on freedoms and yet respect for China's accomplishments and struggles with a transition to a market economy and world influence. Each guide has a chosen English name. This was awkward for me at first; seemed to be an affectation. I quickly saw it as a convenience I valued when I realized the surname-first protocol and my difficulty in making associations for names. "Lucy" was our esteemed guide. What a gracious, attentive, effective and caring soul. She was a premier ambassador for her country while being our shepherd and benign family matriarch. If you've done group travel you know the aptness of the "herding cats" metaphor. Throughout the two weeks Lucy had each of us constantly purring. We saw too much in too short a time to feel satisfied that we've "seen" China. Even though we've been on six of the seven continents much remains in the world that we want to see for the first time. But if budget and opportunity combine we would look first to China Spree for a return visit to such a friendly and complex culture.

CS:Based on your experience from this trip what would you like to say to potential travelers to China?

Answer: Maybe China Spree can be equalled but they can't be beat for service and value.

CS: Based on your experience from this trip what would you like to say to potential travelers to China?

Answer: "Don't let the low prices concern you. This was a first class tour for sure. Everything you could want and more. From the pre-trip staff here in the U.S. to the National and local guides, we were so impressed with he quality of service every where. Everyone seemed so sincere and ready to help and serve us. At the end of the trip we felt like we were leaving our new friends behind."

Leila S, California
15-Day The Mighty Yangtze, September, 2010

Dear Mr Wu,

I am writing you as a repeat customer to tell you of the delight your company has provided my wife and myself over the past few years.

The first tour we took with China Spree was Chinas Best Treasures in April 2007. It was our first time going to Asia and also the first real guided tour in our world travels. We were really skeptical about what you stated you were offering. All our worries went away when we met our National Guide Li Ming at the airport in Beijing. She made us feel very comfortable and when we arrived at the hotel, we were awed by the luxury and the comfort. Ming took the people in our group that were from all over the country and from many different backgrounds and made us into a very cohesive group. Our first day local guide Robert was particularly observant and along with Ming changed the itinerary to allow the entire group to enjoy the sights without pushing any physical limits. The remainder of the tour had great local guides and Ming, of course. The accommodations were all luxurious and the service by bus drivers and porters was impeccable. Needless to say the entire trip was made by the warmth and caring of Ming for all in our group. MING WAS GREAT. We call her our Chinese Daughter and stay in contact with her. China is an awe inspiring country and we did see some of its treasures.

The second tour with China Spree was the Mighty Yangtze (Mar 28 - Apr 11, 2010). I had request Ming as the National Guide and was disappointed when she was not available. I should not have worried as when we met Lin at the airport, you could see that she loved what she did very much and made us all very comfortable. We have been blessed to have two great groups to see China. This group became so close immediately that it seemed like a large family and Lin was the glue that held it together. Having been to China before I had requests not on the itinerary. The first day Andy, our local guide and Lin got last minute tickets to the Peking Opera and assured that we were there without disturbing the rest our the group (Request #1). The Yangtze Cruise was first class we were the only group to sing both in Chinese and English at the passenger show thanks to Lin's Chinese Lessons. It has been my wife's dream to hold a baby Panda and when we got to the preserve the local guide Helen had procured the required pass to do so (Request #2). All the local guides were excellent and showed us as much of their cities as possible in the time given. You had told me you upgraded the hotels but the main upgrade had to be location. They were right in the middle of the action. The food was excellent and gave us a taste of the different provinces, Our guides were so good that even though there were a couple of technical difficulties, they were able to turn them into adventures and give us a closer look at Chinese life in the cities without missing anything on the itinerary, Lin kept us together for the entire tour so much that we all returned from our free day to have dinner together. LIN IS GREAT. She is our second Chinese Daughter and we will stay in touch.

You have stated that there will be new itineraries in the next couple of years and we intend to be back, hopefully with one of our Chinese Daughters as National Guide. We are constantly recommending your company to friends and coworkers and have received great comments from those that have used China Spree.

Jackie and Marci M
China Spree Advocates

Jackie and Marci M,
15-Day The Mighty Yangtze, March, 2010

Dear ChinaSpree, You are doing a fabulous service to people by arranging these tours. We just came back from the trip, one of the best trip we ever had. You have converted a non traveler into a traveler. Our guide Lin was fabulous. Our whole group fell in love with her. Our tour mates have become like a family to us. When does it happen that all 18 people in a group from diverse background gel like they have known each other for a long time. We can't say enough things about your local guides. They were all very knowledgeable, friendly and willing to share their country's rich heritage. I had no clue about China. China is absolutely fantastic, clean and very friendly. Your tour guide makes or breaks the trip and our was certainly made by Lin. I have recommended you to all my family and friends and will continue to do so. I can write pages and pages about our experience but you get the message. Keep educating people. Thanks Shanta and Harish C Tour dates: 3/28 to 4/11

The Mighty Yangtze 15 day tour is a wonderfully comprehensive look at Chinese culture. From the imposing Great Wall to the hustle and bustle of modern Shanghaii, we covered all the major attractions in an incredibly short time. Using domestic flights allowed us to move quickly and efficiently from one area of the country to another. The hotels were superb and the local guides very knowledgeable. Lucy, our tour director, was the best. She could handle any situation with diplomacy and was able to smooth out any bumps that occurred along the way. For the money, this trip is definitely a winner.

CS: Based on your experience from this trip what would you like to say to potential travelers to China?

Answer: China Spree has fine tuned this trip (Mighty Yangtze) to perfection. The accomodations are superb, the guides excellent, and the number of sites visited in two weeks, unbelievable.

Barbara,North Carolina
15-Day The Mighty Yangtze, October, 2009

I was so impressed with China Spree that I encouraged my sister and her husband to book with them-they leave next week. Our tour was so well organized and it included all first class accomodations, delicious meals and all of our entrance fees.Having a National Guide follow you takes the worry out of any situation that could arise. Having local guides at each destination ensured that you were well informed on each point of interest.Our group was small enough that we have now made new life-long friends! We travel a couple of times a year and this was one of our best trips-ever!!

CS: Based on your experience from this trip what would you like to say to potential travelers to China?

Answer: China, is an adventure of a lifetime. China Spree makes it easy, fun-and affordable!

Pattie, Manitoba
15-Day The Mighty Yangtze, October, 2009

Dear Mr. Wu, It was a very pleasant experience to travel with China Spree..The tour was very well coordinated. Baggages were handled in very professional and timely manner. Our Tour manager Amber as very helpful all the way to the end. She kept us well informed. The days in Beijing were long but well balanced so that we could see everything without being too tired. The historical monuments in Beijing are very spread out and needed long walks and many steps to climb and yet our local tour guide Richard veerd us through it all in a relaxed manner. I even climbed the Great wall with the help of Amber and my walking stick. I did TaiChi on the wall. The summer Palace and the lake were so cool. We also had a boat ride. The Marriot Hotel in Beijing was a five star hotel with all its comfort. Our bus was very well equipped and comfortable . Actually the walking was good for us after the long flight from San Francisco to Beijing.

After the busy days in Beijing where we immersed into the old culture and new marvels of 21st century architectures we flew to Yichang to embark on our ship for the Yangtze cruise. Next four days of relaxing experience was very beneficial. There was plenty to do in the ship. Every day when we docked we had shore excursions already included in the package. The cruise was an unforgettable experience. The gorges were spectacular, the dam was a marvel of engineering and architecture, We also saw how the displaced people are adapting to the new environment in their new homes. One day we took another small boat to go to the Wu gorge and then again yet another peapod boat to sail along the narrow gorges. We thank you for thoughtfully putting together all this program. Our trip to the snowy jade cave along the Yangtze River was very adventurous but worth it. Most probably this cave was a bit hard for people with walking problem but we had the option of staying in the ship. I liked it anyway and I got some help in the cave. Our stay in Chongqiung was short but the local guide was very helpful and efficient, I heard that 30 million people live in Chonquing, but we did not see many people in the street. Probably they were all at work. We had memorable lunch prepared for us by the "Iron Chef". We had glimpse of old town Chongquing which is about to be demolished in 2 months to make room for the new. Our local guide took us to the train station for our trip to Chengdu. This was also a ver pleasant experience . First we are a bit nervous to find so many people at the station. But everything went very smoothly thanks to our local guide and the man in charge of our luggage. We did not feel a thing .We walked into the train and arrived in Chengdu before time. It was a beautiful train ride. Chengdu dinner was very good, the optional changing faces(sichuan Opera) show was very enjoyable. The Panda Preserve was a lot of walk and not my cup of tea. Although it was quite a place. The hotel was very comfortable with excellent service. Our next flight to Xian was memorable. It was the hometown o our tour manager Amber .She took very special care in showing us everything. The archeological finds of the Terracota warriors were amazing. Our tour manager was able to take us all the way near the exhibits.. We were very fortunate to be able to avoid so much walking. The whole area was so peaceful and so well maintained. Of course now it is designated a world heritage site and the eighth wonder of the world. These are very old relics. I specially enjoyed the Buddhist temple in Xian. The Chinese Monk traveled to India and brought back many Budhist Sutras (500BC) . I also enjoyed the Tang Dynasty show at Xian. The trip to Tongli was charming. We also had a gondola ride in the canal, a very romantic place. Our stay in Shanghai was short. Shanghai hotel was most spectacular.Sanghai's skyline was most modern . The Acrobatic show was marvelous and part of or package. We visited the new Shanghai in th Pudong area and was very much impressed by its skyline, the TV Tower and the tallest tower in China (Hyatt Hotel) We also rode Maglev the fastest train on track to go to the airport. All in all we had sixteen days of spectacular experience.

CS: Based on your experience from this trip what would you like to say to potential travelers to China?

Answer: If you choose to take a china trip with China Spree you will be in good hands and could count on them.

Hena, Maryland
15-Day The Mighty Yangtze, September, 2009

Thank you China Spree and Jim Mao. We cannot say enough about the service we received on this tour. I really do not know how you provide all the service for the price you charge. Our hotels were outstanding, the food was delicious. We were worried about having Chinese food so many days. Because you travel to so many regions in China the food is always different. From the moment we arrived at the Beijing airport we were treated like royals. Our bags were always taken care of. We saw other tour groups with large numbers and saw they spent much of their time gathering everyone. The change of the cruise ship was a great decision on China Sprees part, I had researched the previous ship and found several bad reviews. We loved the ship. The room was fine and the food on the ship was outstanding. China Spree has some of the greatest guides. Jim Mao, our national guide was outstanding. He was everywhere addressing anything that happened. One of our flights was cancelled by the airlines and he was on top of everything. He got us on a different airline with just a few minutes difference.

CS: Comment on your Tour Manager, using rate 1-10 while 10 is the best

Answer: I would give Jim Mao a 20. He was everywhere. He was knowledgeable. He was entertaining and just made the trip enjoyable. I had no idea a manager would work so hard. He was at the airport when we arrived and saw us off. It was sad to leave him.

CS: Based on your experience from this trip what would you like to say to potential travelers to China?

Answer: Take the trip. You will not be sorry. We were worried about the language and food. You will not have any worries. You are in very safe hotels. The bus drivers are very courteous and great drivers. The guides are all outstanding. Their are several locations with steps but the group will wait for you. You are given time to shop and explore on your own. It will be the trip of a lifetime.

Barbara, Florida
15-Day The Mighty Yangtze, September, 2009

Dear Chinaspree, I want to thank you for the excellent tour experience you provided for us. Your services are outstanding. The guides were very friendly and professional. The tour stops were very beautiful. The restaurants and food offered were delicious. We really enjoyed our vacation in China. I would absolutely recommend your company to my friends and family.

Amy, Buffalo NY.

CS: Based on your experience from this trip what would you like to say to potential travelers to China?

Answer: I would recomment visiting China as a vacation to everyone. I would recomment Chinaspree because of the extremely positive experience we had on our vacation.

Amy, New York
14-Day The Mighty Yangtze, August, 2009

China Spree is definitely a travel company that will show you everything. It is for travelers who really want to see China. It's for the travelers that want to go out, be out, and take in as much as possible. It is for the travelers that would like everything planned, nothing to worry about, who want to be along for the ride of their lives. China Spree is for the travelers who want to learn about and enjoy a different culture. Who not only want to relax and have a good time, but also be kept busy and constantly entertained. I am so happy that we chose China Spree, anything else would have been a mistake.

CS: Things that impressed you most on this trip

Answer: Things that stick out most on our trip was just everything. I don't even know where to start. Even the small towns that I've never heard of were so interesting. I was really excited about Xian and the Great Wall, but I really loved eating in the Hutongs also. I loved the big cities and the "small" towns. Some of the places we'd stop to eat would be a building I probably wouldn't have chosen, but the food was so good. The whole two weeks was very planned out, it went very smoothly. When we would arrive somewhere there was always a bus waiting for us and bell boys to carry our luggage. It was all just orchestrated perfectly.

CS: Comment on your Tour Manager, using rate 1-10 while 10 is the best

Answer: Ronald Wang is no doubt a 10. If I could rank him higher I would. He really loves what he does and it is easy to tell in the way he led our group. He was entertaining, knowledgeable, helpful, and so so kind. He had everything timed perfectly. I credit Ron with making our trip run as smoothly as it did, and that is a big deal to me because nobody likes the feeling of being unsure. I trusted him, and by the end of the trip I was most sad to leave him. I really felt like I knew him and he was a friend. He knew everybody's name the first day and that's hard because there were 20 of us! He gave us tips on where to buy "real" souvenirs and not the fake ones that so easily trick us tourists. He gave us mini history lessons every bus ride and told us about each place we were going. This helped make those spots special and memorable. I felt like Ron wanted to show us a good time, that he wanted to be there, NOT that he HAD to be there. I remember my husband and I and my mom and dad all talking about how lucky we thought we were that we got Ron as a tour guide because surely there are guides that aren't as wonderful as Ron.

CS: Based on your experience from this trip what would you like to say to potential travelers to China?

Answer: China Spree is such a good travel company. I cannot say enough good things about them. I whole heartedly believe that I could not have done all they did, and seen all that I did with any other company. You will not be disappointed. I am a seasoned traveler who usually plans out vacations myself, but I can say there is no way I could have planned this so smoothly. Everything is top-notch, highest quality, the guides, the food, the hotels, etc, but you'll also get to see the small villages and towns, the way locals live.

Andrew & Michelle, Indiana
14-Day The Mighty Yangtze, July, 2009

This is the first time I have taken a trip with China Spree. Not only a fun trip but educational and culturally rewarding. Our tour director Ron Wang was an exceptional guide and took great care to make sure our group had everything we needed to make our tour enjoyable. No problems or worries. He was there. It was hard to come back home and have to handle the everyday things that for 2 weeks we relied on him to to take care of. The cruise on the Yangtze was amazing and the scenery breathtaking. This tour included so much that many other tours give as optional. Cultural shows of dance and music were included and lots of food. Our days were filled, but there was plenty of time to relax and shop. I am a single traveler and felt well taken care of and safe. Experience this beautiful country you go to and enjoy to the fullest!

CS: Comment on your Tour Manager, using rate 1-10 while 10 is the best

Answer: On the several trips I've taken in the past, a good tour director is essential for a mood setting trip. It can make or break the whole experience. Ron Wang was an exceptional guide. He took great care to make sure our group of 20 had everything we needed to make our tour enjoyable.

Mary, Alabama
14-Day The Mighty Yangtze, June, 2009

My husband and I are pleased to recommend a trip with China Spree because they are a professional business that cares about their clients. From start to finish, our booking process was smooth. When we arrived in Beijing, our guide met us and greeted us with a friendly smile. From then on, we were in good hands. Ronald, our national guide became our friend. He made us feel comfortable and welcome in his home, China. We felt we could ask him any question at any time. He was even kind enough to translate to a doctor that I needed to see. Our safety and comfort was important to our national guide. The sites are amazing! There is so much history to learn about in China. The hotels were top-notch. Every meal had a great variety of tasty dishes. Shopping was fun as well. We would go back on a China Spree tour in a heartbeat because it was such a positive experience.

Vikki & Herb, New Hampshire
14-Day The Mighty Yangtze, June, 2009

We could not have imagined a better trip! We were initially attracted by the reasonable prices (much better than anything else we saw) and the trip itself was even better than we had expected. Our national guide was phenomenal and we were totally relaxed knowing that he had taken care of everything. Although the website says that their trips are not particularly relaxed, I was more relaxed than I usually am when I travel because I didn't have to worry about anything. We saw a ton of stuff in just two weeks, but I never felt rushed at all.

CS: Comment on your Tour Manager, using rate 1-10 while 10 is the best

Answer: 10. Our guide - Ron Wang - was fabulous! We were also very happy about how well organized and timed everything was. I didn't feel like I had to worry about anything. He was very well organized, very professional, but also personable and engaging.

CS: Based on your experience from this trip what would you like to say to potential travelers to China?

Answer: Don't expect it to be the like the US; just enjoy it for what it is!

Allie, California
14-Day The Mighty Yangtze, June, 2009

We were excited to go to China, but were not ready for just how wonderful the trip turned out to be. China Spree was excellent in preparation and planning, and Ron Wang was an exceptional Guide. The hotels were amazing, the food was wonderful (and all meals included), and the pace was fast but achievable. We did an amazing amount in two weeks, but loved every minute. China is more modern than we anticipated in the cities, and very fast paced. June is very hot, but we really enjoyed every moment of the trip. Thanks China Spree for a wonderful trip, we will recommend you to many others.

CS: Comment on your Tour Manager, using rate 1-10 while 10 is the best

Answer: Ron Wang was at the very least a 10, can't imagine anyone better. His english is excellent, he understands americans and our ways, and makes things work. He works hard for his tourists, and is always looking for ways to improve the experience. We will come back just to see Ron.

Bob & Priscilla,
Washington
14-Day The Mighty Yangtze, June, 2009

From our first on-line inquiry about this trip China Spree was most helpful and informative. Their assistance with the Chinese Visa applications was especially helpful. All paperwork for the trip was handled efficiently. Even the additional form required due to the flu breakout was easily taken care of. The trip was conducted as described, with the National Guide having the discretion to adjust the schedule to suit local conditions including weather changes. We would recommend this trip to anyone in good health who is looking for a fast paced and well planned informative trip to the areas covered in this itinerary.

CS: According to your experience from this trip what would you suggest to those who are going to traveling to China?

Answer: Be prepared for a fast paced adventure including long days and early morning starts, but with very good hotels, meals, tour buses, air transfers, and excellent guides.

Lynn & Iris, Louisiana
14-Day The Mighty Yangtze, June, 2009

Our entire experience with China Spree was excellent. From the moment we booked the tour online, until we returned home, everything went according to the itinerary. Our tour manager, Kevin, rocks. He took care of everything, so all my family had to do was enjoy the sights of China. AND we enjoyed everything. If you are thinking of traveling to China, then China Spree is the only way to go. Be sure to ask for Kevin as your tour manager.

CS: Comment on your Tour Manager, using rate 1-10 while 10 is the best

Answer: I have traveled extensively on tours, as part of my work. I have never given a tour manager a 10, but I am giving Kevin one now. He is a 10. He rates a 10 for his organizational skills, his communication skills, and his people skills. His English is excellent, and he is very enjoyable to just sit and chat with. He went out of his way to make sure the tour was so much more than just a sightseeing trip. Kevin worked hard, and he never stopped making sure everything was perfect.

CS: Based on your experience from this trip what would you like to say to potential travelers to China?

Answer: Never leave the hotel without your toilet paper. China is a very different kind of place. If you treat it as such, and just go with the flow, you'll love it as much as we did. The Chinese people are very friendly and happy, so join them and smile.

Vicki, Colorado
15-Day The Mighty Yangtze, June, 2009

China Spree was my first tour and it has really raised my expectations for other tour agencies. The price is very affordable and at least half what other agencies charge. The guides are very educated and knowledgeable and make you feel at home. I would change absolutely nothing about my trip to China. I still at awe about all the things I got to see, the food, the service, the hotels and the tour was so inexpensive. I first was not sure about the trip because of the price and the air travel was included in the price! But I took the chance and I am glad I did. Everything was beyond my expectations. I saw other tours (ones that charged more) in the same hotels we were staying. In some of the sites we went to the other tours looked less organized and I could sometimes I could hear their guide and they were always inferior to China Spree's guides. I am glad I choose China Spree and will be using their services again and I will recommend it to anyone interested traveling to China.

CS: Comment on your Tour Manager, using rate 1-10 while 10 is the best

Answer: 11- Ron was excellent. His management was so good that I worried about nothing regarding the tour. I had complete trust and faith in him and this made the trip enjoyable. He made everyone feel welcome and I do not know how he managed to make us all feel like we were a huge family with Ron serving as head of the family. His knowledge was very good and he always had and answer or solution to everything. I can express the admiration, respect, and gratitude I feel towards Ron.

CS: Based on your experience from this trip what would you like to say to potential travelers to China?

Answer: China is an amazing country with a rich history and most of the time at was at awe at what I saw. It seemed everything was at least a thousand years old the sites were breath taking. I had to keep repeating to myself that I was actually in China and seeing all these amazing things.

Vanessa, Texas
14-Day The Mighty Yangtze, May, 2009

China Spree's Mighty Yangtze tour exceeded the expectations of my wife and I in every way. The trip not only included the major points of interest such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terricotta Warriors, etc. but also a much needed and relaxing trip up the river with side excursions. Competent national and local guides are key to the success of any trip and China Spree's guides are excellent. They all speak excellent English and removed the frustrations of foreign travel while providing a rich background of history and culture as part of their service. I highly recommend China Spree!

CS: Based on your experience from this trip what would you like to say to potential travelers to China?

Answer: Fully read and follow the before trip suggestions in the booklet; it will save you a lot of frustrations while in country.

William Cass, California
14-Day The Mighty Yangtze, April, 2009

Our ChinaSpree trip exceeded our expectations. The itinerary schedule was full of China's best cultural and historical sites. The variety of evening entertainment ranged from Opera to Chinese Acrobats. We toured factories for silk production. Had a relaxing 4 days on the Yangtze/Three Gorge Project with daily excursions and evening entertainment. Some of the highlights for us were the Terra Cotta Soldiers, the Forbidden City, Great Wall, and the Panda Reserve. Meals and accommodations were superb. Fees charged by ChinaSpree were reasonable and all inclusive. The tour group was a comfortable 20. ChinaSpree planned a busy itinerary which we appreciated .

CS: Comment on your Tour Manager, using rate 1-10 while 10 is the best

Answer: Definately a 10....We appreciated Ronald's attention to our safety, details, and comfort. We really enjoyed the background information and historical perspectives that he provided. Ronald Wang was really the personality,front man for not only China Spree but for the whole of China. It was because of Ronald that this trip was so memorable for us. He is an excellent ambassador of China.

CS: Based on your experience from this trip what would you like to say to potential travelers to China?

Answer: Don't fear the food...its all family style dining with 10 choices of dishes excellently prepared. All the hotel accommodations were excellent. Bottled water provided. Expect a firmer and slightly shorter bed than Americans are accustomed to...yet we found them to be comfortable. Some of the historical sites and excursions contain many stairs that may be difficult for some people.

Michael & Pamela, Indiana
14-Day The Mighty Yangtze, April, 2009

Dear China Spree. Nee How and thank you for the fabulous trip to China. The national guide was invaluable for imparting information and making the entire trip run smoothly. I couldn't have done it without him. The hotels far exceed my expectations - extremely luxurious, great views and locations for walking. The food was fabulous and never ending. The Yangtzee cruise allowed the opportunity to see the rural side of China. Most sightseeing excursions were included in the price of the tour. It was perfect to have the tour all inclusive. The only extra money I needed was for souvenirs and miscellaneous items. The Chinese people are welcoming, kind and generous, and the country beautiful. Again, thanks for making this a trip of a lifetime. I can't wait to take another trip with China Spree as a return traveler to China. She-eh She-eh. Marcella Siefken The Might Yangtze Tour

CS: What did you like about this trip?

Answer: Everything. If you ever need someone to tell anyone how wonderful the tour was, please feel free to give my name. The hotels were five star, the meals were wonderful, the bus rides comfortable, the national guide, Ron was fabulous and local guides were great. The trip far exceeded any of my expectations. Your country is one of the most beautiful in the world and your people were kind, generous and helpful. Thanks to all.

CS: Based on your experience from this trip what would you like to say to potential travelers to China?

Answer: Don't hesistate to take a trip to China with China Spree. A trip of a lifetime...and go sooner than later.

Marcella, California
14-Day The Mighty Yangtze, March, 2009

We were expecting a great time in China and Chinaspree exceeded our expectations. They were ahead of us at every turn, anticipating our needs and removing any roadblocks to our total enjoyment. The facilities we stayed in were first class, the food varied and delicious (The eggplant was prepared in several unique & delicious ways, etc.), the guides were knowledgeable and fun to be with. The local people we met helped us to understand China's past, present, and future. We both agree this is the best trip we've ever had and we regretted having to return home so soon.

Q:Please rate your tour manager from 1-10 while 10 is the best.
Lynn Dong was the most efficient, caring, and delightful guide imaginable. She always got us where we were supposed to be without seeming to rush us along. Informative, funny, just a delight each day. We would rate her a strong 11 or more!

Q: What would you like to say to potential China Spree travelers?
Take the longer tour; you'll be glad you did.